Where were the Questions???

I know the stimulus package has passed but is it just me or does it sound like a "Crock of Bull-sh*t" when the same politicians who co-signed all of Bush's crap, now have the nerve, okay, the audacity, (no pun intended), to scrutinize every twist and turn that President Obama suggests? Where the hell were the questions when after 911, the worst attack on US soil since Pearl Harbor, we invaded a country who had nothing to do with the attack under the false pretenses that they had weapons of mass destruction, only to have the world find out that we were wrong and worse yet feel that we are bullies just out for money. Where were the questions when it was learned that after 911, during the "NO FLY" mandate, President Bush allowed members of Saddam Hussein's family to leave the USA without being questioned? Where were the questions when it was discovered that some of the hummers being used by our troops in combat were not bullet/bomb proof and therefore were inadequate protection for our troops? Where were the questions when it was discovered that the families of our soldiers in combat were using their personal money to buy bullet-proof vests and other protective equipment because their loved ones were in battle without it? Where were the questions when Vice-President Dick Cheney's old company, Haliburton, the biggest profiteer of the war moved its base of operations outside of the US to Dubai to avoid US taxes? It's amazing how these same folks who gave $700 billion, "No-strings-attached"dollars, to the banking industry can find every question in the book for President Obama but couldn't seem to find 1 question for President Bush before sanctioning his requests. Some may say they've learned from their past. I think it's more likely that they are trying to protect their personal pockets since President Obama's plan to jump-start America's economy will finally affect those who have benefited greatly financially. Lets face it America's wealthiest families all have ties to Capitol Hill via a family member who resides in the House or the Senate or friends who do. I can't say I wouldn't ask questions either if, like ex-Vice-President Dick Cheney, I had to pay more taxes on my estimated $30-100 million Haliburton fortune! Just one question what's the difference between former President Bush/VP Dick Cheney and former CEO Richard S. Fuld, of Lehman Brothers? ~d-the-VIP

Does a Paycheck cover a Dream?

This week my company laid-off a lot of people, I was one of the "casualties". My first reaction was relief! I hadn't enjoyed my job for years but I enjoyed my fellow employees and the security of a steady paycheck with benefits. I had talked about moving and pursuing my dream career for sometime now but had not made one step toward that goal. I had become complacent just like the "Lifers", the "lifers" were the folks who had been at my job for years but their eyes shone with their boredom. They didn't love the job anymore they just loved a steady paycheck! Unknowingly, I had become a lifer! So on the eve of my release I could be angry and sulk over the choices the company made or I could see my release as the blessing it is and walk through the door of opportunity that had just been opened. Willy Jolly a world renowned speaker says "a Setback is a Set-up for a comeback". My friend Karen always says that things happen in "Divine Order". By all accounts this was a Divine event. At the beginning of the year I said I would stop "Holding the purse". I have. Hello Opportunity!!!

~d-the-VIP

The Audacity of Hope!!!

I don't know if Obama is Superman but I do know that he has given me a reason to believe that change is possible and hope is the equivalent of the proverbial "belief of a mustard seed". In him I see a brighter future and a better tomorrow. On Tuesday it will be my honor and privilege to stand with thousands of my fellow Americans and witness history being made as the first African-American takes the Presidential oath of office. I will be thinking of Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech as that speech signifies the birth of a new nation. One that elects a President based on the "content of his character not the color of his skin!

Martin Luther King "I have a Dream Speech"

~d-the-VIP

"It was all a dream I used to read Word Up Magazine!

Notorious Trailer

The lives of most rappers are a complex dichotomy that juxtaposes who they are personally with who they are lyrically. Rapper extraordinaire Biggie Smalls alias the Notorious B-I-G was no different. The long awaited movie NOTORIOUS, based on the late rappers life chronicles his rise and untimely death but it doesn't portray him as a martyr to be mourned or a deity to be praised but rather showcases the witty, fun-loving, gritty, sometimes unsettling truth that was his life. Poet Langston Hughes once asked the question "What happens to a dream deferred" Christopher Wallace answered the question of what happens to a dream achieved! Notorious opens this Friday.

Juicy

Biggie Freestyle


~d-the-VIP

Are You Holding the Purse?

I have two quotes on my computer. One is by Marianne Williamson that says, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure! The other quote is by an unknown author that says "To get something you've never had, you have to do something you've never done, and sometimes you have to leave behind who you are to become who you're supposed to be!" My New Years Resolution in 2009 is to "stop holding the purse" and start "playing the game!" Life is too short to stand on the sidelines. Memories are created only if you make them. Goals are reached only if you strive to reach them. Are you ready to stop holding the purse?

d-the-VIP

The Secret Millionaire: Must Watch TV!

This is the season of giving and Fox is leading the pack with what I believe is one of the best shows on television. It's called Secret Millionaire, (airs Wednesday's on FOX). This “reality” show takes multi-millionaires out of their luxurious surroundings and places them "undercover" for 1 week in some of America's poorest most underserved neighborhoods. The millionaires, most of whom, are used to traveling by private jet, driving expensive cars, dining in exclusive restaurants, wearing tailored top label attire, and blowing wads of cash on everything from dinners with friends to trips to Vegas, now have to live on minimum wage and decide which person or organization they'll give $100,000 or more of their own money to. It's a serious "reality check” for some of the millionaires who because they are self-made approach the experience with the idea that they are going to help encourage the people they meet to do better, reach higher, and go further. By the end of the show, however the people the millionaires have met and the situation's they’ve encountered change them forever. The check that they end up writing truly is a symbol of change on their part as there seems to be a renewed appreciation for what they have and also a commitment to continue to help those who are less fortunate. As a viewer you receive the gift of hope and a renewed belief in humanity and the concept that one person can make a difference.

~d-the-VIP

Birkin Bags are OUT! Black folks are IN!

The hottest accessory at this years New York Society party is not the Birkin bag it's an African American! At least that's what one person working for a prominent PR firm responsible for planning New York's most exclusive parties, has confessed. According to "loose lips" a memo called "Diversified Holiday Guests" was sent out informing staff that clients are heavily encouraging the addition of African-Americans to their Holiday guest lists. It seems that the newly elected first families ethnicity played a huge role in the decision. To ensure that everyone knew who was "acceptable" to invite. The memo also listed, in order of desirability, the top 10 "most desirable" African American New Yorkers. Just in case you're wondering who made the cut. Here's the list:



1. Bonnie Morrison

Bonnie Morrison (PR)-Publicity Director for KCD renowned PR firm for fashion designers

2. Genevieve Jones

Genevieve Jones (Socialite)-I don't know if that title quite applies to her. Although she has been seen with a who's who list of New York society and is always immaculately dressed in the latest designer looks, it seems that she's from moderate beginnings, an Engineer father and homemaker mom from Louisiana. But don't cry for Genevieve she may soon earn her title as her jewelry line is coming out soon.

3. Maggie Betts

Maggie Betts (Socialite)- Her father is Roland Betts, developer of Chelsea Piers in New York. She is very good friends with the Bush Twins, apparently her father, a staunch democrat is GW's frat brother and the two families vacation together often.

4. Malcolm Harris

Malcolm Harris (Designer)-Creator of Mal Sirrah clothing line/brand used Youtube to promote brand. Is passionately campaigning for aid to Darfur.

5. Moises De La Renta

Moises De La Renta (Son of Oscar)-The only son of Fashion Icon Oscar De La Renta was adopted as an infant however we'll see if his pops great taste in fashion has rubbed off as he will unvail a ready to wear line called MDLR, (his initials)

6. Kehinde Wiley

Kehinde Wiley(Artist)-Very popular artist. Works sell for between $12-40, 000 uses Hip-Hop imagery in art.

7. Nicola Vassell

Nicola Vassell-(Deitch Gallery Director)-A Model from Jamaica she is formerly a writer for Trace Magazine and Vibe.

8. Rachel Roy

Rachel Roy-(Designer)-Best known for her marriage to Damon Dash former partner of Rapper Jay Z and co-owner of Roc-a-fella records, Roy recently announced a $4 Billion dollar deal with Jones Apparel Inc.

9. Jason Campbell

Jason Campbell-(Journalist)-Editor of fashion site the JCReport, Campbell held the sites launch party at the swanky W hotel.

10. Marc Baptiste

Marc Baptiste-(Photographer)-A celebrity and fashion photographer. Baptiste has worked for everybody from Vibe to Vogue.


Pretty impressive list. It's a shame Diddy didn't make the cut! Doesn't he run New York??? Well,there's always next year!

~d-the-VIP